Do you have oily, dry or combination skin? Find out here – and what to do about it

Why skin type matters more than you think

If you’ve ever wondered why your skincare products don’t seem to work, the answer might be simple: you’re using the wrong ones for your skin type. Many people misjudge whether their skin is oily, dry, or combination, and this often leads to sensitivity, stubborn breakouts, or more dryness than before.

Getting your skin type right is the foundation of effective treatment. Below, we’ll walk you through how to identify your skin type – and the best aesthetic treatments in Singapore to match.

How to identify your skin type

Oily skin

• Shine appears by midday, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin
• Prone to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts
• Makeup tends to “slide off” easily

Dry skin

• Tightness, rough patches, or flakiness
• Looks dull and lacks radiance
• Fine lines show up more clearly

Combination skin

• Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but normal or dry cheeks
• Struggles with both breakouts and patchiness

Pro tip: Dehydrated skin is not the same as dry skin. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water – even oily skin types can be dehydrated.

Best aesthetic treatments for oily skin

Main concerns: enlarged pores, blackheads, acne breakouts, dullness

Treatment goals: regulate oil production, clear congestion, balance skin health

Recommended treatments:

• HydraFacial Clarifying – deep cleansing to extract impurities and hydrate without heaviness
• PICO Laser – reduces post-acne pigmentation and helps with oil control
• Quattro Toning – a gentle laser option for inflamed, acne-prone skin
• Medical peels or clarifying acne programs – target persistent congestion and speed up cell turnover

Best aesthetic treatments for dry or dehydrated skin

Main concerns: tightness, flakiness, fine lines, lack of glow

Treatment goals: restore hydration, repair the skin barrier, smooth texture

Recommended treatments:

• Heaven Glow – a micro-injection treatment that stimulates collagen and hydrates from within
• Skinboosters (PN or HA-based) – replenishes lost hydration and improves skin elasticity
• Clear Brilliance – a gentle resurfacing laser to boost radiance without stripping the skin’s topmost layer
• Deep Red – promotes skin renewal to address textural dryness with minimal downtime

Best aesthetic treatments for combination skin

Main concerns: shiny T-zone with dry or sensitive cheeks, uneven texture, blackheads

Treatment goals: multi-targeted approach that calms oiliness without over-drying

Recommended treatments:

• Quattro Toning + Skinboosters combo – controls sebum while keeping cheeks hydrated
• HydraFacial + mild laser pairing – a balance of deep cleansing with gentle renewal
• SmartX Lite – light resurfacing for both oily and dry areas
• Heaven Glow – hydrates while helping balance different skin zones

Why skin type-specific treatment plans work better

There is no one-size-fits-all solution – especially in Singapore’s humid climate. A treatment that clears oil may worsen dryness on another part of your face, while a hydrating treatment might clog pores if applied everywhere.

Personalised treatment plans take into account your skin type, lifestyle, and even seasonal changes. Skin can shift over time due to hormones, stress, or age – which is why regular reassessment is key.

Ready to find your true skin type?

The best way to know your skin type is through a professional skin assessment. At SW1, every treatment plan begins with a thorough analysis so you don’t waste time (or money) on the wrong solutions. Whether your concern is clogged pores, dryness, or that tricky mix of both, there’s a targeted treatment to help your skin look clear, radiant, and healthy again.

Book a consultation today to discover the treatments best suited for your skin.